4. Academic Policies and Procedures

An undergraduate student may change registration in a class from the pass/fail basis to the letter-grade basis or from the letter-grade basis to the pass/fail basis until the deadline given in the academic calendar. The basis of registration for a course may be changed only once.

A graduate student may change registration in a class from the credit/no credit basis to the letter-grade basis or from the letter-grade basis to the credit/no credit basis until the deadline given in the academic calendar.

A student who wishes to withdraw from the University after completing registration for a semester or summer session must secure the dean's approval. If a minor, the student must present a written statement from a parent, guardian, or sponsor indicating that the responsible person knows of the student's intent to withdraw. In addition, international students must have permission from the International Office to withdraw. The dean's permit to withdraw must be submitted to the registrar, where the student may request a refund of fees in accordance with University policy. No fees will be repaid to anyone other than the payer, except on the payer's written order.

After the last day for withdrawing (approximately midsemester), an undergraduate student may petition for withdrawal only for urgent, substantiated, nonacademic reasons. Nonmedical withdrawal by an undergraduate student on scholastic probation may affect the student's scholastic standing. Information about scholastic probation and dismissal is given earlier in General Information.

A graduate student in good standing may withdraw with the approval of the graduate dean through the last class day of the semester. A graduate student who is in warning status may not withdraw without the recommendation of the graduate adviser and the approval of the graduate dean.

A student who withdraws as a result of being called to active military service may choose (1) to receive a refund of tuition and fees for the semester; (2) if eligible, to be assigned an incomplete (symbol X) in each course; or (3) as determined by the instructor, to be assigned a final grade in courses where he or she has completed a substantial amount of coursework and demonstrated sufficient mastery of the course material.

Medical withdrawal. A medically ill student whose illness precludes class attendance may be withdrawn from the University effective the date and under the conditions specified at the time of the withdrawal. A student who requests medical withdrawal must submit adequate written documentation from the treating physician to the associate director for clinical services of University Health Services; under specified conditions, the associate director will instruct the registrar to withdraw the student.

Regular attendance at all class meetings is expected. Instructors are responsible for implementing attendance policy and must notify students of any special attendance requirements.

Special regulations of colleges and schools, required by the unique nature of their programs of study, may be enacted through the normal approval process. These special regulations may not conflict with University regulations on class attendance and absence.

Religious holy days. A student who misses classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day should inform the instructor as far in advance of the absence as possible, so that arrangements can be made to complete an assignment within a reasonable time after the absence.